In a New York Spring of Mind: 26 Things to Do This Season

“Little darling, it’s been a long cold lonely winter…Little darling, it feels like years since it’s been here…Here comes the (spring) here comes the (spring).” — George Harrison, “Here Comes the Sun”

The little green buds on trees are back and women are starting to flash a little flesh. If you’re wondering how to get “offManhattan” to celebrate springtime, take a gander at these 26 activities and events, ranging from cook-offs and rooftop films to tulip festivals, an Earth Day bash, and eco-friendly kites in flight.

Brooklyn

Brooklyn Heights | On April 28 and 29,FAD Marketwill return to the Brooklyn Historical Society with everything from silk-screened totes to handmade toys for kids, and locally-sourced artisanal eats. Afterwards, enjoy the Historical Society’s exhibits or take a walk through beautiful Brooklyn Heights.

Gowanus | You might not be a chimney sweep, but you will be skimming the rooftops this season with the return of Rooftop Films Summer Series which though centered in Gowanus, stretches to rooftops throughout the boroughs.

Starting in April, Edible Magazines will throw a series of chef events featuring cocktails, local wine, and a menu inspired by the tastes of Spain.

Greenpoint | Swing by Tasting Table’s 2018 Lobster Rumble which is being held Thursday June 7, and will feature “25 of the country’s top lobster rolls.” As you taste your way through each lobster station enjoy an open bar beer, wine and seasonal cocktails. At the end of the night, each guests vote will be tallied to choose the official Fan Favorite.

Grand Army Plaza | On rainy days, cozy up inside the Brooklyn Public Library for events for the entire family, including themed photography exhibits, old telephone directories, woodcut prints of wild fauna based in Brooklyn, and colorful trading cards.

Queens

Long Island City | It’s amazing what you can do with former landfills these days. At the Socrates Sculpture Park, get a whiff of creativity at its finest when the spring exhibit is unveiled in early May. Now that temperatures are on the up and up, outdoor film screenings and free fitness classes will return. And don’t miss seeing recycled art soar in mid-air at the annual Kite Flight.

Flushing Meadows Corona Park | The Queens Theatre is chock full of performances this spring that justify crossing the bridge including the energeticLatin Dance Fiesta (April 28) and two days of performances by L.A. basedBODYTRAFFIC(April 7-8)the “dance company of the future.”

Staten Island

Greenbelt | The annualOutdoorFest celebration of all things nature in NYC kicks off with a campout on Staten Island on June 2 and 3rd with yoga, trail running, survival skills, a concert in the woods and a bonfire. Ride the (free) ferry 0ver to the island and then hop on the OutdoorFest shuttles to head towards a weekend that will make you feel miles away from the hustle bustle.

Richmond | Red and verde chili aficionados can prep their pots and palettes for the annual New York City Chili Cookoff (April 21) sanctioned by the International Chili Society.

Governors Island

Bring the kids and bikes onto the ferry and over to Governors Island, starting with opening weekend over Memorial Day to enjoy everything from a 300 foot ziplineto the new for 2018glamping sites.

Bronx

Take the subway to Wave Hill any weekend this spring for a variety of family friendly events from “Cooking with Cactus“ (March 24) to “The Healing Power of Trees” (April 29). Bonus: the majority of their events are free after you purchase admission to the grounds ($8/adults, $2/children).

Manhattan

Chelsea | Park your bike on the west side of town and reward yourself with a little seafood, beer, and ping pong at the city’s favorite lightship, the Frying Pan, which will be open “on days in April predicted to be over 70 degrees” and then from May 1 until October 1.

Island-wide | Our favorite NYC holiday returns on April 21st. Car-free Earth Day NYC will offer everything from free CitiBike rides to work out classes in Union Square.

Upstate NY/Westchester

Saratoga County | The Saratoga Performing Arts Center will be a musical epicenter this spring when Live Nation hosts concerts by Grammy award winning rapper Kendrick Lamar and classic rock band Foreigner, all before summer officially hits.

Pocantico Hills | Take the train to the Stone Barns Center on any Friday (starting April 6) for guided farm tours. Choose from the morning “Insider Tour” or the early afternoon “Family Tour”.

Albany | To see spring bloom in all its colorful glory, we’d suggest a trip to the state capital’s three-day tulip festival(May 12-13). If that’s not enough for you, there is also a 61-variety Daffodil festivalin Connecticut, and Boston will show 400 types of lilacs on Lilac Sunday.

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offMetro is a travel resource for city dwellers who want to get out of town–car-optional. oM reports on the best day trips and weekend getaways that are easily accessible via alternative modes of transportation. If you can't make the weekends longer, strive to make them better.